PLANS for a major new sports park in the city that could include a new training ground for Oxford United have been given the go-ahead.

Oxford City Council's east area planning committee last night granted permission is granted to transform the site near to the Mini plant, off Horspath Road, Cowley, into a sports complex.

The development will include three full-size grass football pitches, three mini football pitches, six small-sided and lit 3G football pitches, two grass cricket pitches and four softball diamonds for the summer.

There will also be 150 parking spaces and a new pavilion with six changing rooms, officials changing rooms, a kitchen, social space and storage, as well as space for Oxford United to move temporary buildings being used by its academy.

Bosses at United have yet to confirm if the club will move any of its training to the new site, however. 

Work to build the new complex is expected to start next month. Artificial football pitches are due to be finished by January 2018, with the whole site finished by summer that year.

It is due to be paid for by BMW, which is taking back ownership of neighbouring land used for sports facilities at Roman Way that were used by community organisations until last year.

In a statement this morning, city council leader Bob Price said: "It is great to get the green light from the planners so that work can start immediately on developing the new sports park.

“I would like to thank BMW for their help and support in realising this tremendous new asset for the people of the city.

"For our local football, cricket and softball teams it will become a real hub of activity and we hope that the cycling circuit can also be included as there is crying need for off road cycling provision in the area.”

Tim Mills, director of business development at Fusion Lifestyle, which will manage the complex, added: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for this fantastic new sports park and we look forward to working with the clubs and with the local community to create the new facilities and then ensure that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to enjoy using them.”